Dust Rules and Firecracker Curbs Get Stricter in Mumbai
Mumbai, October 27: Stepping up efforts against pollution, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has placed the onus of dust control on builders and developers. Construction sites and the roads adjoining them must be kept free of dust, and lapses will be dealt with harshly.
Bhide has also directed that the Bombay High Court's orders on firecracker noise and air quality be followed diligently. He said effective steps are needed to bring air quality under control.
The BMC's 28-point guidelines on air pollution control must be followed without compromise. Those responsible will face strict action if air quality monitoring systems and sensors are found to be non-functional.
The commissioner said the High Court has prohibited bursting firecrackers on public roads, lanes and footpaths. Silence zones, such as schools, hospitals, government offices and courts, are also off-limits for fireworks. Officials at all ward levels have been asked to make sure these restrictions are enforced.
Bhide called for public awareness on the noise and health impacts of firecrackers. Local elected representatives will help spread the message, and awareness drives will be held in all government and private schools. He also urged people to use green firecrackers.
At the meeting, attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr. Avinash Dhakane, Deputy Commissioners Prashant Gaikwad and Avinash Kate, all zonal joint commissioners, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and concerned officers, the commissioner stressed that the guidelines must be implemented on the ground, not just on paper.
Developers have been told that precautionary measures against dust are mandatory. Construction premises must be kept clean, and immediate action will follow any violation.
The civic body will also ensure that air quality measuring centres and sensors work regularly. Special sanitation campaigns using modern machines will be carried out to clean roads and suppress dust.